Skyhawks Claim Share Of 10th Consecutive Northeast-10 Title
Springfield, Mass. - Juniors Michelle Kelly (Mendham, N.J./West Morris Mendham) and Mary Maloney (Great River, N.Y./Saint Anthony's) combined for nine of Stonehill College's (11-2, 9-0 Northeast-10 Conference) 16 first-period goals, as the Skyhawks rolled, 20-2 over the American International Yellow Jackets (0-14, 0-10 Northeast-10 Conference). The win gives Stonehill their 77th consecutive Northeast-10 victory and at least a share of their tenth consecutive Northeast-10 Conference Regular Season Championship.
A swarming Stonehill offensive took advantage of the Yellow Jackets' defense, scoring seven unanswered goals to open the contest. The Skyhawks closed the half on an 8-0 run, punctuated by freshman Christine Lanagan's (North Dartmouth, Mass./Bishop Stang) last minute goal. In addition to Kelly and Maloney, seniors Kristin Darrell (West Islip, N.Y./West Islip) and Christa LaRocco (West Islip, N.Y./West Islip) each added two scores in the Skyhawks' rally. LaRocco added an assist midway though the period for three total points.
With two goals in Tuesday's contest Kristin Darrell moved into first place on Stonehill College's all-time scoring list. The senior captain was in a tie with Erin Acone's 227 career mark headed into the contest with AIC. Her 229 career markers give her sole possession of the College's top-spot.
Maloney opened the second half with her fifth score of the contest, matching classmate Kelly for the game-high. Freshman Emily Kerwin (Bristol, R.I./Portsmouth Abbey) registered her first collegiate marker 12:14 into the second half to spot the visitors 19-2.
Liza Gross (Loudonville, N.Y./Shaker) completed another impressive day for the Purple and White. She finished with three goals, two in the second period. The sophomore midfielder also had four draw controls and a ground ball pick up.
Amanda McGeachey (Saco, Maine/Thornton) picked up her 11 th win in net for the Skyhawks. She made one save on Jessica Scearbo's free-position shot.
The win secures a share of the Northeast-10 Conference Regular Season title with Southern N.H. If Merrimack College defeats the Penmen in Tuesday's contest, the Skyhawks will have sole possession of the Conference crown.